Mexican Train

Picture this: It’s a lively family gathering, and someone pulls out a set of dominoes. But this isn’t just any domino game—it’s Mexican Train Dominoes. The game’s unique train theme, combined with strategic play and a bit of luck, makes it a favorite for all ages. Mexican Train is not just about laying tiles; it’s about creating connections, both on the table and with the people around you. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, this game guarantees fun and excitement.

Country of Origin: United States
Date of Origin: Early 20th century
Regions popular in: North America, Europe, Asia
Family: Tile games
Also Known As: Train
Dominoes Variants: Chickenfoot, Double-Nine Mexican Train

Game Rules

Objective of the Game

The goal is to be the first player to play all your dominoes onto one or more trains emerging from a central hub or to have the lowest score based on the remaining pips.

Number of Players

Mexican Train Dominoes can be played by 2 to 8 players, making it perfect for both small groups and large gatherings.

Tile Information

The game uses a double-twelve domino set, consisting of 91 tiles. Each tile features two ends with a number of pips ranging from 0 to 12.

Setup

1. Shuffle the tiles face-down on the table.
2. Each player draws a certain number of tiles, depending on the number of players (for example, 15 tiles for 2-4 players, 12 tiles for 5-6 players, etc.).
3. The remaining tiles form the boneyard (draw pile).
4. The highest double is placed in the center hub to start the game. Each player starts their own train from this hub.

Basic Gameplay

1. Players take turns playing tiles on their own train, the Mexican Train, or other players’ trains if they are marked as open.
2. If a player cannot make a move, they must draw a tile from the boneyard. If they still cannot play, they must mark their train as open with a marker.
3. Players can play on any open train, including their own and the Mexican Train.
4. The game continues until a player plays all their tiles or no one can make a move.

Winning Conditions

A player wins by being the first to play all their tiles. The round ends and players calculate their scores based on the total number of pips left in their hands. The game is usually played over multiple rounds, with the winner being the player with the lowest cumulative score.

Key Terms

• Boneyard: The pile of remaining tiles after each player draws their initial hand. These tiles are drawn from when players cannot make a move.
• Pips: The dots on the domino tiles. Each end of a tile can have between 0 and 12 pips.
• Double: A tile with the same number of pips on both ends, such as a double twelve (12-12). Doubles are often played strategically to control the game flow.
• Mexican Train: A special train that any player can play on, starting from the center hub.
• Marker: An object used to mark a player’s train as open when they cannot make a move.

Strategy and Tips

Ready to up your game? Here are some tips to help you dominate Mexican Train Dominoes:

• Play Doubles Quickly: Doubles can be tricky. Get rid of them early to avoid being stuck with high-pip tiles.
• Build Multiple Trains: Keep your options open by starting and maintaining multiple trains. This flexibility can help you adapt to the evolving game state.
• Block Opponents: Pay attention to your opponents’ trains and block them by playing tiles that limit their options. This can force them to draw from the boneyard and open their trains.
• Use the Mexican Train: Don’t forget the Mexican Train! It’s a valuable option that can help you play your tiles strategically.
• Keep Low-Pip Tiles: Try to hold onto low-pip tiles for as long as possible. They can be played easily and help keep your score low.

Historical Background

Mexican Train Dominoes emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. Its origin is attributed to the desire for a more social and interactive version of traditional domino games. The game’s unique train theme and strategic play quickly gained popularity, spreading across North America and beyond.

The name “Mexican Train” is said to come from the resemblance of the tile layout to a train track, and perhaps to give the game an exotic flair. Over the years, Mexican Train has evolved, with various rule adaptations and variations emerging in different regions.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Mexican Train Dominoes has become a beloved game worldwide, especially in North America and Europe. Its popularity can be attributed to its simple rules, strategic depth, and social interaction. Families and friends gather around the table to play Mexican Train, creating memories and strengthening bonds.

In the United States, Mexican Train is a staple at family gatherings, game nights, and community events. The game’s accessibility makes it suitable for players of all ages, from young children to grandparents. Its appeal transcends generations, bringing people together for hours of fun.

Legends and Funny Stories

Legend has it that during a Mexican Train tournament, a player’s pet parrot became an unlikely participant. The parrot, intrigued by the colorful tiles, would pick up a tile and place it on the table, much to the amusement of everyone. The bird’s antics added a unique twist to the game, making that tournament one for the history books.

On a more humorous note, there’s a story of a group of friends who decided to play Mexican Train with a twist—they had to mimic the sound of a train whistle whenever they played on the Mexican Train. The game quickly turned into a hilarious symphony of train noises, with everyone laughing at their own and each other’s sound effects.

Conclusion

Mexican Train Dominoes is more than just a game—it’s an adventure filled with strategy, excitement, and social bonding. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Mexican Train offers endless fun and challenges. So gather your friends, set up the tiles, and embark on a thrilling journey of Mexican Train Dominoes. Remember, it’s not just about winning; it’s about the joy of playing, the laughter, and the memories you create along the way. Game on!

And there you have it—a guide to mastering Mexican Train Dominoes, filled with tips, history, and a dash of humor. Ready to challenge your friends and show off your newfound skills? Let’s get those trains moving!